Images(5)

Slat Back Arm Chair

Period1740 - 1800

MediumProbably maple and ash

Dimensions46.25 × 25.2 × 23 in. (117.5 × 64 × 58.4 cm)

InscribedThe number 147 enclosed in a circle in orange paint appears on the inside edge of the left front leg. That is a Moreau inventory number.

ClassificationsSeating Furniture

Credit LineBequest of Mrs. Maude Applegate Smith Moreau, 1964

Object number1992.518

DescriptionA rush bottom armchair with large urn shaped finials on stiles that feature compressed ball turnings between the slats. The slats are shaped on the upper edge, and straight on the bottom edge. The curved arms terminate on baluster turned supports which continue into front legs that also have compressed or flattened ball turnings between the stretchers. The two front stretchers are sausage turned, while the pairs on the sides and rear are simply dowel turned. The finish is a black enamel paint over red, with gold enhancements and striping added later. The chair once had rockers. The top slat is possibly replaced. The woven rush seat appears to be early if not original to the chair.
Curatorial RemarksSlat back chairs with large finials and sausage turned stretchers are usually considered of New York regional origin. Given its central New Jersey provenance from the collection of Mr. and Mrs. W. Rhea Moreau of Freehold, Monmouth County, this example may well have been made in that area. Maude Applegate Smith Moreau had inherited many pieces of furniture from her Applegate ancestral line, which had resided in the vicinity of Hightstown and East Windsor, Middlesex County, for generations.NotesA black and white photograph taken about 1950 shows the slat back arm chair in a second floor bedroom of the Moreau residence at 150 West Main Street in Freehold, Monmouth County. The landmark mid eighteenth century structure, now known as the Covenhoven House, has been restored by the Association and is open to the public.

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